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Shi H, Du J, Jin G, Yang H, Guo H, Yuan G, Zhu Z, Xu W, Wang S, Guo H, Jiang K, Hao J, Sun Y, Su P, Zhang Z. Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management: An umbrella review. Int J STD AIDS 2024:9564624241252457. [PMID: 38733263 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241252457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Globally, the number of cases of HIV continues to increase. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to support disease self-management among people living with HIV. The purpose of this umbrella review is to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence and results of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management. METHODS PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2. RESULTS A total of 22 systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was low or critically low. EHealth interventions range from Internet, computer, or mobile interventions to websites, programs, applications, email, video, games, telemedicine, texting, and social media, or a combination of them. The majority of the reviews showed evidence of effectiveness (including increased participation in HIV management behaviours, successfully changed HIV testing behaviours, and reduced risk behaviours). EHealth interventions were effective in the short term. CONCLUSIONS Ehealth interventions have the potential to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and disease management. Due to the limitations of the low methodological quality of the currently available systematic reviews, more high-quality evidence is needed to develop clear and robust recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guifang Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiyun Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guojing Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenzhuo Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sainan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kele Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiahu Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Puyu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Kiruthu-Kamamia C, Berner-Rodoreda A, O’Bryan G, Sande O, Huwa J, Thawani A, Tweya H, Groot W, Pavlova M, Feldacker C. "We have been so patient because we know where we are coming from" Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile electronic medical record system designed for community-based antiretroviral therapy in Lilongwe, Malawi. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.23.24306213. [PMID: 38712297 PMCID: PMC11071565 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.24306213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) is reshaping healthcare delivery, especially in HIV management. The World Health Organization advocates for mHealth to provide healthcare workers (HCWs) with real-time data, enhancing patient care. However, in Malawi's Lighthouse Trust antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic, the nurse-led community-based ART (NCAP) program faces hurdles with data management due to lack of access to electronic medical records systems (EMRS) in the community setting. EMRS is not typically available in differentiated service delivery settings where reliable power and internet are often unavailable. We used human-centered design (HCD) processes to create a mobile EMRS prototype, the Community-based ART Retention and Suppression (CARES) app. We explore progress to simplify workflow for HCWs and improve client care. Methods To evaluate the CARES app's feasibility and acceptability among NCAP HCWs, we conducted in-depth interviews among 15 NCAP HCWs. We used a rapid qualitative analysis approach guided by the extended Technology Acceptance Model. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results As a likely result of HCD, HCWs demonstrated high expectations for the CARES app to improve healthcare delivery and data management. However, challenges such as app performance, data integration, and system navigation were significant barriers to acceptance or feasibility. Despite challenges, HCWs remained optimistic about the potential for CARES to enhance NCAP clinical decision-making and data flow. HCWs emphasized the need for continuous training and stakeholder engagement, improved infrastructure, data security protections, and establishing the CARES app and EMRS integration to facilitate CARES' longterm success at scale. Conclusion The study's findings underscore the importance of HCD for mHealth buy-in. As HCWs were invested in CARES success, they remained optimistic that the app could enhance NCAP services if user experience and app performance improved. Incorporation of HCW feedback would help deliver beyond the promise of CARES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kiruthu-Kamamia
- United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Gillian O’Bryan
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hannock Tweya
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wim Groot
- United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Milena Pavlova
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Caryl Feldacker
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Kiruthu-Kamamia C, Weldemariam H, Chipanda M, Huwa J, Seyani J, Chirwa H, Kudzala A, Thawani A, Chintedza J, Sande O, Chiwaya G, Tweya H, Pavlova M, Groot W, Feldacker C. Cost-effectiveness analysis of two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve ART retention among newly-initiated antiretroviral therapy clients in Malawi. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.17.24305960. [PMID: 38699324 PMCID: PMC11065025 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.24305960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Retention in HIV care is crucial for improved health outcomes. Malawi has a high HIV prevalence and struggles with retention despite significant progress in controlling the epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, such as two-way texting (2wT), have shown promise in improving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) retention. We explore the cost-effectiveness of a 2wT intervention in Lighthouse Trust's Martin Preuss Center (MPC) in Lilongwe, Malawi, that sends automated SMS visit reminders, weekly motivational messages, and supports direct communication between clients and healthcare workers. Methods Costs and retention rates were compared between 2wT and standard of care (SOC) for 468 clients enrolled in each. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Scenario analyses were conducted to estimate costs if 2wT expanded. Results The 2wT group had higher retention (80%) than SOC (67%) at 12 months post-ART initiation. For 468 clients, the total annual costs for 2wT were $36,670.38 as compared to SOC costs at $33,458.72, resulting in an ICER of $24,705. Among scenarios, the ICER was -$105,315 if 2wT expanded to all new clients (2678 at MPC and -$723,739 as 2wT expanded to other four high-burden facilities (2901 clients), suggesting high cost savings if 2wT was effectively scaled. Conclusion The 2wT intervention appears cost-effective to improve ART retention among new ART initiates in a high-burden ART clinic. While mHealth interventions have potential limitations, their benefits in improving patient outcomes and cost savings support their integration into HIV care programs.
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Pitpitan EV, Horvath KJ, Aldous J, Stockman JK, Patterson TL, Liang M, Barrozo C, Moore V, Penninga K, Smith LR. Peers plus mobile app for treatment in HIV (PATH): protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test a community-based integrated peer support and mHealth intervention to improve viral suppression among Hispanic and Black people living with HIV. Trials 2024; 25:212. [PMID: 38520030 PMCID: PMC10958824 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant disparities continue to exist in the HIV care continuum, whereby Hispanic and Black people living with HIV (PLWH) are less likely to achieve viral suppression compared to their White counterparts. Studies have shown that intervention approaches that involve peer navigation may play an important role in supporting patients to stay engaged in HIV care. However, implementation may be challenging in real-world settings where there are limited resources to support peer navigators. Combining a peer navigation approach with scalable mobile health (mHealth) technology may improve impact and implementation outcomes. METHODS We combined a peer navigation intervention with a mHealth application and are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of this integrated "Peers plus mobile App for Treatment in HIV" (PATH) intervention to improve HIV care engagement, and ultimately sustained viral suppression, among Hispanic and Black PLWH. We will enroll up to 375 PLWH into a two-arm prospective RCT, conducting follow-up assessments every 3 months up to 12 months post-baseline. Participants randomized to the control arm will continue to receive usual care Ryan White Program case management services. Individuals randomized to receive the PATH intervention will receive usual care plus access to two main intervention components: (1) a peer navigation program and (2) a mHealth web application. The primary outcome is sustained HIV viral suppression (undetectable viral load observed at 6- and 12-month follow-up). Secondary outcomes are retention in HIV care, gaps in HIV medical visits, and self-reported ART adherence. Recruitment for the RCT began in November 2021 and will continue until June 2024. Follow-up assessments and medical chart abstractions will be conducted to collect measurements of outcome variables. DISCUSSION The efficacy trial of PATH will help to fill gaps in our scientific understanding of how a combined peer navigation and mHealth approach may produce effects on HIV care outcomes while addressing potential implementation challenges of peer navigation in Ryan White-funded clinics. TRIAL REGISTRATION The PATH trial is registered at the United States National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov) under ID # NCT05427318 . Registered on 22 June 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen V Pitpitan
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Jamila K Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Megan Liang
- San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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Liu PL. Understanding mHealth Adoption and Lifestyle Improvement: An Empirical Test of the Antecedents and Mediating Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:155-165. [PMID: 38205945 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2024.2303641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The potential of using mobile phones for health care service delivery has been well acknowledged. Despite that mobile health (mHealth) related research has proliferated in the past decade, mHealth is still in the fledgling stage with a low adoption rate. There is a research gap in understanding factors influencing mHealth adoption and examining the effects of mHealth use on health outcomes. The purpose of this study was thus to explore influential factors of mHealth use, and test mediation pathways through which mHealth use impacts healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g. sleep, exercise, and social participation). Survey results from 432 online participants illustrate that performance expectancy, social influence, support conditions, and perceived reliability were significantly associated with mHealth use. However, the impact of effort expectancy on mHealth use was statistically nonsignificant. Moreover, the results indicate that mHealth use can not only contribute to the improvement of healthy lifestyle behaviors directly but also exert an impact through the mediating effect of health competence. Knowing what factors motivate people's mHealth use and how mHealth use contributes to lifestyle improvement can help trigger interventions to boost mHealth adoption and improve public health. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Liu P, Wang L, Wang F. Evaluation of Chinese HIV Mobile Apps by Researchers and Patients With HIV: Quality Evaluation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e52573. [PMID: 38277215 PMCID: PMC10858422 DOI: 10.2196/52573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Against the backdrop of globalization, China remains one of the most heavily burdened countries in Asia with regard to AIDS. However, many high-risk groups and patients affected by AIDS may be less likely to actively seek care from medical institutions because of fear of experiencing shame or discrimination. Mobile apps provide a promising avenue for supporting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AIDS. However, a comprehensive systematic evaluation of these mobile apps' functionality and quality has not been conducted yet. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the available mobile apps for AIDS in China, assess and discuss the functional features and quality of these Chinese AIDS mobile apps, and offer decision support for patients and clinical practitioners in accessing high-quality AIDS mobile apps. Furthermore, based on the evaluation results, recommendations for improvement will be provided. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on the Qimai app data platform, the Aladdin WeChat applet data platform, and WeChat to identify mobile apps related to AIDS. A snowball sampling method was used to supplement the potentially overlooked apps. The selected mobile apps underwent a rigorous screening process based on unified criteria. Subsequently, assessments were independently undertaken by 3 separate researchers and 2 patients with HIV, using both the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the User Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). Quantitative interpretations of the data were facilitated by the MedCalc statistical software (version 20.217, MedCalc Software). RESULTS A total of 2901 AIDS mobile apps were included in the study, with 2897 identified through information retrieval and an additional 4 added via snowball sampling. After a rigorous selection process, 21 apps were determined to be usable. Among them, the Hong Feng Wan app achieved the highest combined average score, calculated based on the MARS (3.96, SD 0.33) and uMARS (4.47, SD 0.26). Overall, there was no significant correlation between MARS and uMARS (rapp quality total score=0.41; P=.07; rsubjective quality=0.39; P=.08). A notable issue was the widespread lack of user privacy protection, with only 24% (5/21) of the apps offering this feature. CONCLUSIONS The number of available Chinese AIDS mobile apps is limited, with WeChat applets dominating the market. Nonetheless, the performance of WeChat mini-apps is generally inferior to that of independent apps, and there may be significant discrepancies between assessments conducted by researchers and those provided by genuine end users, emphasizing the necessity of involving real users in the development and evaluation of HIV mobile apps. In addition, developers of these Chinese HIV mobile apps need to devote attention to improving privacy protection mechanisms, in addition to considering the evaluations of researchers and real users. This will help attract more users and increase user loyalty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Innovation Team of Health Information Management and Application Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lingmeng Wang
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Fuzhi Wang
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Innovation Team of Health Information Management and Application Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Sucaldito AD, Tanner AE, Mann-Jackson L, Alonzo J, Garcia M, Chaffin JW, Faller R, McGuire T, Jibriel M, Mertus S, Kline DM, Russell L, Stafford J, Aviles LR, Weil PH, Wilkin AM, Rhodes SD. Exploring Individual and Contextual Factors Associated With Sexual Risk and Substance Use Among Underserved GBQMSM and Transgender and Nonbinary Persons in South Central Appalachia. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:495-506. [PMID: 38096454 PMCID: PMC11075819 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.6.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQMSM) and transgender and nonbinary persons are at elevated risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis C (HCV); in Appalachia, these communities experience more disease burden. However, little is known about the factors influencing risk. Sixteen semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted examining factors influencing prevention and care. Data were analyzed using constant comparison methodology. Fifteen themes emerged within four domains: social environment (e.g., microaggressions across gender, sexual orientation, and racial identities), substance use (e.g., high prevalence, use as coping mechanism), sexual health (e.g., misinformation and denial of risk for HIV and STIs), and access to health care (e.g., cost and transportation barriers, lack of local respectful care). Findings highlighted salient barriers and assets influencing prevention and care and suggest that multilevel interventions are needed to improve access to and use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Sucaldito
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Lilli Mann-Jackson
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jorge Alonzo
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Manuel Garcia
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - John W Chaffin
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Rachel Faller
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Tucker McGuire
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Mohammed Jibriel
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Sulianie Mertus
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - David M Kline
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Laurie Russell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jeanette Stafford
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Lucero Refugio Aviles
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Peggy H Weil
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Aimee M Wilkin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Scott D Rhodes
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Chibi M, Wasswa W, Ngongoni CN, Lule F. Scaling up delivery of HIV services in Africa through harnessing trends across global emerging innovations. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1198008. [PMID: 38028944 PMCID: PMC10644308 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1198008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Globally, innovations for HIV response present exciting opportunities to enhance the impact and cost-effectiveness of any HIV program. However, countries especially in the African region are not on equal footing to effectively harness some of the existing innovations to accelerate impact on HIV services delivery. This paper aims to add to the discourse on innovative solutions to support countries to make informed decisions related to technologies that can be adapted in different contexts to strengthen HIV programs. A scoping review which involved a search of innovations that can be used in response to the HIV epidemic was carried out between June 2021 and December 2022. The results showed that a high level of technological advancement occurred in the area of digital technologies and devices. Out of the 202 innovations, 90% were digital technologies, of which 34% were data collection and analytics, 45% were mobile based applications, and 12% were social media interventions. Only 10% fell into the category of devices, of which 67% were rapid diagnostic tools (RDTs) and 19% were drone-based technologies among other innovative tools. The study noted that most of the innovations that scaled relied on a strong ICT infrastructure backbone. The scoping review presents an opportunity to assess trends, offer evidence, and outline gaps to drive the adoption and adaptation of such technologies in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moredreck Chibi
- Science and Innovation, Assistant Regional Director, World Health Organization Africa Region, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - William Wasswa
- HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Non Communicable Disease Cluster, World Health Organization Africa Region, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Chipo Nancy Ngongoni
- Science and Innovation, Assistant Regional Director, World Health Organization Africa Region, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Frank Lule
- HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Non Communicable Disease Cluster, World Health Organization Africa Region, Brazzaville, Congo
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Bhandari A, Burroway R. Hold the phone! A cross-national analysis of Women's education, mobile phones, and HIV infections in low- and middle-income countries, 1990-2018. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116217. [PMID: 37683500 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite remarkable progress in the fight against HIV, the number of new infections remains unacceptably high, epidemics continue to grow in certain communities, and therefore AIDS continues to be one of the deadliest pandemics of our times. This study analyzes the rate of new HIV infections over almost 30 years in low- and middle-income countries. Previous research identifies two critical ways to address HIV prevention in developing countries: educating women and using mobile phones to improve health literacy and access to virtual healthcare. Our study bridges these literatures by evaluating how women's education and mobile technology work together to support the goals of HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries. Using two-way panel fixed effects regression models of HIV incidence across 76 developing countries, we find that both increasing access to women's education and increasing access to mobile phones are associated with fewer HIV infections over time. Furthermore, we discover that women's education moderates the relationship between mobile phones and HIV. More specifically, mobile phones seem to be more beneficial for HIV prevention in cases where rates of formal schooling are low. However, at higher levels of women's education, the impact of mobile phones on new HIV infections is substantially reduced. Our findings have important policy implications for Information and Communications for Development (ICT4D) programs.
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Karajeanes E, Bila D, Luis M, Tovela M, Anjos C, Ramanlal N, Vaz P, Lapão LV. The Infomóvel-An information system for managing HIV/AIDS patients in rural areas of Mozambique. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:187. [PMID: 37723450 PMCID: PMC10507969 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02281-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health is gradually revolutionizing the way medical care is delivered worldwide. In Mozambique, a country with a high human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, where antiretroviral treatment coverage is 77% accompanied by a 67% of retention rate, the use of mobile health technology may boost the antiretroviral treatment, by delivering care beyond health facilities and reaching underrepresented groups. Leveraging new technologies is crucial to reach the 95-95-95 United Nations target by 2030. The design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile health platform called Infomóvel were covered in this article. Its intended use involves collaboration with community health workers and aims to increase human immunodeficiency virus patient access, adherence, and retention to care. METHODS Using the Design Science Research Methodology, Infomóvel was created, as well as this publication. The explanation of various actions includes everything from problem description to observational study and goal-following for a solution, which results in the design and development of a platform proposal. Before the utility assessment of Infomóvel was conducted to make adjustments, a demonstration phase was conducted in one region of Mozambique. RESULTS The initial subjects of the Infomóvel flowchart and physical process design were patients receiving antiretroviral medication who were enrolled in the patients tracking system and who had consented to home visits. The case manager examines the file before importing it into the Infomóvel database stored on a cloud server using the website www.commcarehq.org . The case manager application synchronises with the Infomóvel server database, enabling the import of latest data and access to the lists of new patients and community health workers. The community health worker uses his phone to access his application, which allows him to record the geographic coordinates and sort the list of patients by priority and type of visit. CONCLUSION Results from Infomóvel add to the growing body of data showing that mobile health techniques are beneficial for managing stable individuals with chronic conditions in Mozambique. These approaches can be scaled up and better utilised. However, additional studies should be conducted to quantify the resources needed to implement on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Karajeanes
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, N° 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - D Bila
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - M Luis
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - M Tovela
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - C Anjos
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - N Ramanlal
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - P Vaz
- Fundação Ariel Glaser Contra O SIDA Pediátrico, Avenida Agostinho Neto N° 620, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - L V Lapão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, N° 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
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Jitmun W, Palee P, Choosri N, Surapunt T. The Success of Serious Games and Gamified Systems in HIV Prevention and Care: Scoping Review. JMIR Serious Games 2023; 11:e39915. [PMID: 37669098 PMCID: PMC10509732 DOI: 10.2196/39915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIDS, which is caused by HIV, has long been one of the most significant global public health issues. Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, various types of nonelectronic communication tools have been commonly used in HIV/AIDS prevention and care, but studies that apply the potential of electronic games are still limited. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify, compare, and describe serious games and gamified systems currently used in HIV/AIDS prevention and care that were studied over a specific period of time. METHODS A scoping review was conducted into serious games and gamified systems used in HIV prevention and care in various well-known digital libraries from January 2010 to July 2021. RESULTS After identifying research papers and completing the article selection process, 49 of the 496 publications met the inclusion criteria and were examined. A total of 32 articles described 22 different serious games, while 17 articles described 13 gamified systems for HIV prevention and care. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studies described in the publications were conducted in the United States, while only a few studies were performed in sub-Saharan African countries, which have the highest global HIV/AIDS infection rates. Regarding the development platform, the vast majority of HIV/AIDS gaming systems were typically deployed on mobile devices. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using serious games and gamified systems. Both can improve the efficacy of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, particularly those that encourage behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waritsara Jitmun
- College of Arts, Media, and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Patison Palee
- College of Arts, Media, and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Noppon Choosri
- Data Analytics and Knowledge Synthesis for Healthcare (DAKSH) Research Group, College of Arts, Media, and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Tisinee Surapunt
- College of Arts, Media, and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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12
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Adebayo ES, Wang D, Olaniyan HO, Olumide AO, Ogunniyi A, Fawzi W. Scalability of mobile technology interventions in the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069362. [PMID: 37451733 PMCID: PMC10351258 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rate of new infections with HIV remains high among adolescents globally. Adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), who are least likely to have access to quality healthcare, have the highest proportion of those living with HIV. Mobile technology has played an important role in providing access to information and services among adolescents in recent years. This review aims to synthesise and summarise information that will be useful in the planning, designing and implementing of future mHealth strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Interventional studies, reported in English, on the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents that used mobile technology in LMICs will be included. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and the Cochrane Library are the information sources that have been identified as relevant to the area of study. These sources will be searched from inception to March 2023. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The scalability of each study will be assessed using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool. Two independent reviewers will conduct the selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias and scalability. A narrative synthesis of all the included studies will be done. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was not necessary for this study. This is a systematic review of publicly available information and therefore ethical approval was not deemed necessary. The results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42022362130.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel S Adebayo
- Institute of Child Health, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Global and Community Health, George Mason University College of Health and Human Services, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Medicine, University of Ibadan, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Wafaie Fawzi
- Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Taiwo BO, Kuhns LM, Omigbodun O, Awolude O, Kuti KM, Adetunji A, Berzins B, Janulis P, Akanmu S, Agbaji O, David AN, Akinbami A, Adekambi AF, Johnson AK, Okonkwor O, Oladeji BD, Cervantes M, Adewumi OM, Kapogiannis B, Garofalo R. A randomized stepped wedge trial of an intensive combination approach to roll back the HIV epidemic in Nigerian adolescents: iCARE Nigeria treatment support protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0274031. [PMID: 37418498 PMCID: PMC10328338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nigeria is one of six countries with half the global burden of youth living with HIV. Interventions to date have been inadequate as AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria's youth have remained unchanged in recent years. The iCARE Nigeria HIV treatment support intervention, a combination of peer navigation and SMS text message medication reminders to promote viral suppression, demonstrated initial efficacy and feasibility in a pilot trial among youth living with HIV in Nigeria. This paper describes the study protocol for the large-scale trial of the intervention. METHODS The iCARE Nigeria-Treatment study is a randomized stepped wedge trial of a combination (peer navigation and text message reminder) intervention, delivered to youth over a period of 48 weeks to promote viral suppression. Youth receiving HIV treatment at six clinical sites in the North Central and South Western regions of Nigeria were recruited for participation. Eligibility criteria included registration as a patient at participating clinics, aged 15-24 years, on antiretroviral therapy for at least three months, ability to understand and read English, Hausa, Pidgin English, or Yoruba, and intent to remain a patient at the study site during the study period. The six clinic sites were divided into three clusters and randomized to a sequence of control and intervention periods for comparison. The primary outcome is plasma HIV-1 viral load suppression, defined as viral load ≤ 200 copies/mL, in the intervention period versus the control period at 48 weeks of intervention. DISCUSSION Evidence-based interventions to promote viral load suppression among youth in Nigeria are needed. This study will determine efficacy of a combination intervention (peer navigation and text message reminder) and collect data on potential implementation barriers and facilitators to inform scale-up if efficacy is confirmed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04950153, retrospectively registered July 6, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babafemi O. Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olutosin Awolude
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde M. Kuti
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Staff Medical Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Baiba Berzins
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | - Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | | | - Oche Agbaji
- Department of Medicine, University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Abiodun Folashade Adekambi
- Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | - Ogochukwu Okonkwor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | | | - Marbella Cervantes
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
| | - Olubusuyi M. Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bill Kapogiannis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, Unites States of America
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Unites States of America
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14
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Campbell JI, Aturinda I, Mwesigwa E, Habinka A, Kanyesigye M, Holden RJ, Siedner MJ, Kraemer JD. Behavioral Predictors of Intention to Use a Text Messaging Reminder System Among People Living With HIV in Rural Uganda: Survey Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e42952. [PMID: 37145834 DOI: 10.2196/42952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expansion of cellular phones in sub-Saharan Africa spurred the development of SMS text message-based mobile health (mHealth) technology. Numerous SMS text message-based interventions have attempted to increase retention in care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of these interventions have failed to scale. Understanding theory-grounded factors leading to mHealth acceptability is needed to create scalable, contextually appropriate, and user-focused interventions to improve longitudinal HIV care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), constructs identified in previous qualitative research, and behavioral intention to use a novel SMS text message-based mHealth intervention designed to improve care retention among people living with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda. METHODS We conducted a survey of people living with HIV who were newly initiating HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and had agreed to use a novel SMS text message-based system that notified them of abnormal laboratory results and reminded them to return to the clinic. Survey items assessed behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging system; constructs from UTAUT; and demographics, literacy, SMS text messaging experience, HIV status disclosure, and social support. We used factor analysis and logistic regression to estimate the relationships between UTAUT constructs and the behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging system. RESULTS A total of 249 participants completed the surveys, of whom 115 (46.2%) expressed high behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging intervention. In a multivariable analysis, we found that performance expectancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] of the scaled factor score 5.69, 95% CI 2.64-12.25; P<.001), effort expectancy (aOR of the scaled factor score 4.87, 95% CI 1.75-13.51; P=.002), and social influence (measured as a 1-unit Likert score increase in the perception that clinical staff have been helpful in the use of the SMS text messaging program; aOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.21-7.54; P=.02) were significantly associated with high behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging program. SMS text messaging experience (aOR/1-unit increase 1.48, 95% CI 1.11-1.96; P=.008) and age (aOR/1-year increase 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.13; P=.003) were also significantly associated with increased odds of high intention to use the system. CONCLUSIONS Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence, as well as age and SMS experience, were drivers of high behavioral intention to use an SMS text messaging reminder system among people living with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda. These findings highlight salient factors associated with SMS intervention acceptability in this population and indicate attributes that are likely to be key to the successful development and scaling of novel mHealth interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isaac Aturinda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Evans Mwesigwa
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | - Richard J Holden
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, MA, United States
| | - John D Kraemer
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Georgetown University School of Health, Washington, DC, United States
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15
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Adebayo E, Wang D, Olumide AO, Ogunniyi A, Fawzi W. Scalability of mobile technology interventions in the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.21.23287533. [PMID: 36993161 PMCID: PMC10055572 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.23287533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The rate of new infection of HIV is still high among adolescents globally. Adolescents in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are least likely to have access to quality healthcare have the highest proportion of those living with HIV. Mobile technology has played an important role in providing access to information and services among adolescents within the region in recent years. This review aims to synthesise and summarise information that will be useful in planning, designing, and implementing future mHealth strategies within the region. Methods and Analysis Interventional studies on the prevention and management of HIV among adolescents that used mobile technology in LMICs will be included. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library are the information sources that have been identified as relevant to the area of study. These sources will be searched from inception to March 2023. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The scalability of each study will be assessed using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool (ISAT). Two independent reviewers will conduct the selection of studies, data extraction, assessment of the risk of bias, and scalability. A narrative synthesis of all the included studies will be provided through a table. Ethics and dissemination An ethical approval was not necessary for this study. This is a systematic review of publicly available information and therefore ethical approval was not deemed necessary. The results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal and dataset will be presented in the main manuscript. Strengths and limitations We believe that the likelihood of missing any published article will be low because of the information sources we are considering.The scalability tool (ISAT) has not been used in any systematic review before.The evidence provided in this review will be limited to low-middle-income countries.The exclusion of studies not published in English is a limitation for this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Adebayo
- Adolescent Health Unit, Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Adesola O. Olumide
- Adolescent Health Unit, Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Wafaie Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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16
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Tas B, Lawn W, Traykova EV, Evans RAS, Murvai B, Walker H, Strang J. A scoping review of mHealth technologies for opioid overdose prevention, detection and response. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:748-764. [PMID: 36933892 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES Opioid overdose kills over 100,000 people each year globally. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies and devices, including wearables, with the capacity to prevent, detect or respond to opioid overdose exist in early form, or could be re-purposed or designed. These technologies may particularly help those who use alone. For technologies to be successful, they must be effective and acceptable to the at-risk population. The aim of this scoping review is to identify published studies on mHealth technologies that attempt to prevent, detect or respond to opioid overdose. APPROACH A systematic scoping review of literature was conducted up to October 2022. APA PsychInfo, Embase, Web of Science and Medline databases were searched. INCLUSION CRITERIA articles had to report on (i) mHealth technologies that deal with (ii) opioid (iii) overdose. KEY FINDINGS A total of 348 records were identified, with 14 studies eligible for this review across four domains: (i) technologies that require intervention/response from others (four); (ii) devices that use biometric data to detect overdose (five); (iii) devices that automatically respond to an overdose with administration of an antidote (three); (iv) acceptability/willingness to use overdose-related technologies/devices (five). IMPLICATIONS There are multiple routes in which these technologies may be deployed, but several factors impact acceptability (e.g., discretion or size) and accuracy of detection (e.g., sensitive parameter/threshold with low false positive rate). CONCLUSION mHealth technologies for opioid overdose may play a crucial role in responding to the ongoing global opioid crises. This scoping review identifies vital research that will determine the future success of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Tas
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Will Lawn
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elena V Traykova
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca A S Evans
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Barbara Murvai
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hollie Walker
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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17
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Szinay D, Forbes CC, Busse H, DeSmet A, Smit ES, König LM. Is the uptake, engagement, and effectiveness of exclusively mobile interventions for the promotion of weight-related behaviors equal for all? A systematic review. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13542. [PMID: 36625062 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health interventions are promising behavior change tools. However, there is a concern that they may benefit some populations less than others and thus widen inequalities in health. This systematic review investigated differences in uptake of, engagement with, and effectiveness of mobile interventions for weight-related behaviors (i.e., diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) based on a range of inequality indicators including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020192473). Six databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to July 2021. Publications were eligible for inclusion if they reported the results of an exclusively mobile intervention and examined outcomes by at least one inequality indicator. Sixteen publications reporting on 13 studies were included with most reporting on multiple behaviors and inequality indicators. Uptake was investigated in one study with no differences reported by the inequality indicators studied. Studies investigating engagement (n = 7) reported differences by age (n = 1), gender (n = 3), ethnicity (n = 2), and education (n = 2), while those investigating effectiveness (n = 9) reported differences by age (n = 3), gender (n = 5), education (n = 2), occupation (n = 1), and geographical location (n = 1). Given the limited number of studies and their inconsistent findings, evidence of the presence of a digital divide in mobile interventions targeting weight-related behaviors is inconclusive. Therefore, we recommend that inequality indicators are specifically addressed, analyzed, and reported when evaluating mobile interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Szinay
- Behaviour and Implementation Science, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Department of Behaviour Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cynthia C Forbes
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Heide Busse
- Leibniz Institute of Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ann DeSmet
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eline S Smit
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR, Department of Communication Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura M König
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.,Behavioural Science Group, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Hyde Z, Roura R, Varanasi K, McGinn T, Evans J, Verschoore B, Yang C, Labrique A, Ricketts EP, Rothman RE, Latkin CA, Hsieh YH. Human-centered design development of mHealth patient-to-peer referral tool in the emergency department. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221143238. [PMID: 36544538 PMCID: PMC9761213 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221143238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given the steady increase of emergency department (ED) visits related to opioid overdoses, this study aims to determine the design and usability of an ED-centered mHealth patient-to-peer referral prototype tool that allows patients to refer peers to comprehensive HIV/HCV and opioid misuse prevention services. Methods Two iterative focus group discussion (FDG) sessions and one use-case session were conducted. Eligible participants who were ≥18 years, had a history of injection drug use (IDU), and had utilized the ED in the past year were recruited through the distribution of flyers at the study institution, including the study ED. Human-centered design process was completed by using participant feedback on perceived utility, usability/accessibility, tool design, and clarity/readability to fine-tune prototype version and drive subsequent discussion sessions. Results Sixteen consented individuals participated in at least one of the sessions. Feedback revealed that participants favored the inclusion of the webpage link on the referral card as means to bypass QR code if needed, more descriptions highlighting the exact services offered, and the fact that no personal information was required to complete the referral process. The prototype underwent several adjustments between user-centered FDG sessions, which ultimately ended in including features such as an online webpage with educational videos, SMS text-message communication system, and QR code usage into the final patient-to-peer referral tool prototype. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest a human-centered designed patient-to-peer referral tool could be a feasible approach to linking community members at risk of IDU to HIV/HCV and opioid use-related preventive services from ED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zak Hyde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raúl Roura
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kesav Varanasi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tanner McGinn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie Evans
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Verschoore
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society,
Johns Hopkins
University Bloomberg School of Public
Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School
of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erin P Ricketts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard E Rothman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society,
Johns Hopkins
University Bloomberg School of Public
Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Hsiang Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Yu-Hsiang Hsieh, Johns Hopkins University
Department of Emergency Medicine, 5801 Smith Avenue, Suite 3220 Davis Building,
Baltimore, MD 21209, USA.
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19
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Raeesi A, Khajouei R, Ahmadian L. Evaluating and rating HIV/AIDS mobile apps using the feature-based application rating method and mobile app rating scale. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:281. [PMID: 36310157 PMCID: PMC9618024 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate HIV/AIDS mobile applications using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and rate the features of these applications using the new tool called the Feature-based Application Rating Method (FARM). Methods In this study, all available HIV/AIDS apps in Iran from Cafe Bazaar and Google Play Store due to inclusion criteria were studied. The evaluation of the quality of applications was done using the MARS tool and the FARM tool. The FARM, which was developed in this study, was applied to rank the features of the applications. Results In this study, 79 applications were included. The mean score of all apps using both tools was 3.58 (SD = 0.95) out of 5. The overall mean quality score based on the MARS was 3.14 (SD = 0.84), and the mean score of features based on FARM was 3.81 (SD = 1.23). This study showed a higher than moderate correlation between the scores assigned to apps based on the MARS and FARM tools (r > 0.4). Conclusions The HIV/AIDS mobile applications available in Iran had the "acceptable" ranking. Also, our study results showed that to evaluate mobile apps, using a single tool may not provide good insight to evaluators about the assessed apps. However, using more than one tool may provide more details about the evaluated apps. To improve the quality of mobile health apps and help users select the most desirable app, we suggested using tools like FARM for ranking apps based on the features of each app in the app stores. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-02029-8.
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Løkke KF, Rasch V, Mwaiselage J, Gammeltoft T, Linde DS. Acceptability of text messages and knowledge change for cervical cancer screening: a Tanzanian mixed methods study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058450. [PMID: 36123109 PMCID: PMC9486230 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the acceptability of a text message intervention and evaluate if text messages could increase knowledge of cervical cancer and screening. DESIGN This study was a substudy of a randomised controlled trial that used a mixed methods research design combining a quantitative questionnaire dataset and qualitative interview data. A before and after assessment was made of questionnaire responses. Acceptability was measured on a 6-point Likert scale and knowledge was measured through 16 binary true/false knowledge questions concerning cervical cancer and screening. Qualitative data were coded using a combined inductive-deductive approach. SETTING Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam as well as Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center and Mawenzi Regional hospital in the Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive women who had been randomised to the intervention group and received educative and reminder messages. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subgroup of women in the intervention group. INTERVENTIONS 15 one-way educative and reminder text messages. RESULTS A total of 115 women in the intervention group responded to both the baseline and follow-up questionnaire. Overall, women found it highly acceptable to receive text messages, and there was a trend towards acceptability rising between baseline and follow-up (mean: 0.22; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.44; p=0.05; t-statics=1.96). A significant increase in acceptability was found among the lowest educated and those who had not previously been screened. The qualitative interviews showed that the underlying reasons for the high acceptability rate were that the women felt someone cared for them and that the text messages were for their own benefits. The text messages did not improve the women's knowledge on cervical cancer and screening. CONCLUSIONS Educative and reminder text messages are highly acceptable among HPV-positive Tanzanian women; however, they do not increase the women's knowledge of cervical cancer and screening. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER clingov (NCT02509702).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vibeke Rasch
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark
| | - Julius Mwaiselage
- Department for Cancer Prevention Services, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tine Gammeltoft
- Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Søndergaard Linde
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark
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21
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The efficiency of the EmERGE platform for medically stable people living with HIV in Portugal. Porto Biomed J 2022; 7:e191. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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22
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Beck EJ, Mandalia S, Yfantopoulos P, Jones CI, Bremner S, Whetham J, Etcheverry F, Moreno L, Gonzalez E, Merino MJ, Leon A, Garcia F. Efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway to provide continuity of care for Spanish people living with medically stable HIV. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:388-395. [PMID: 35906033 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2020.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Calculate the efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway of Care for medically stable people living with HIV at the Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS 546 study participants were followed between 1st July 2016 and 30th October 2019 across three HIV outpatient clinics, but the virtual clinic was closed during the second year. Unit costs were calculated, linked to mean use outpatient services per patient year, one-year before and after the implementation of EmERGE. Costs were combined with primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS Annual costs across HIV-outpatient services increased by 8%: €1073 (95%CI €999-€1157) to €1158 (95%CI €1084-€1238). Annual cost of ARVs was €7,557; total annual costs increased by 1% from €8430 (95%CI €8356-8514) to €8515 (95%CI €8441-8595). Annual cost for 433 participants managed in face-to-face (F2F) clinics decreased by 5% from €958 (95%CI 905-1018) to €904 (95%CI 863-945); participants transferred from virtual to F2F outpatient clinics (V2F) increased their annual cost by a factor of 2.2, from €115 (95%CI 94-139) to €251 (95%CI 219-290). No substantive changes were observed in primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION EmERGE Pathway is an efficient and acceptable intervention. Increases in costs were caused by internal structural changes. The cost reduction observed in F2F clinics were off-set by the transfer of participants from the virtual to the F2F clinics due to the closure of the virtual clinic during the second year of the Study. Greater efficiencies are likely to be achieved by extending the use of the Pathway to other PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Beck
- NPMS-HHC CIC, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | - C I Jones
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - S Bremner
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - J Whetham
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - F Etcheverry
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Moreno
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Gonzalez
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Merino
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Leon
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Garcia
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Glick JL, Jivapong B, Russo R, Pelaez D, Piser R, Footer K, Sherman SG. Cultivating PEARL (Promoting Empowerment and Risk Reduction): Formative Research for a PrEP Intervention Among Female Sex Workers in Baltimore, Maryland. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2664-2675. [PMID: 35124751 PMCID: PMC9885761 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03600-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a vital component of comprehensive HIV prevention among female sex workers (FSW). There are limited PrEP interventions targeting FSW in the U.S., who have high HIV risk. Formative research was conducted to inform PEARL (Promoting Empowerment And Risk Reduction), a PrEP intervention for FSW in Baltimore, MD, including a community forum, key informant interviews with providers, and focus group discussions with FSW. FSW and providers acknowledged challenges to building rapport and establishing continuity in care settings. FSW reported low PrEP awareness, with high interest once aware. FSW and providers reported uptake barriers including perceived financial issues, lack of PrEP awareness, and mistrust of the pharmaceutical industry. Concerns were raised about substance use and daily PrEP adherence. Developing a tailored PrEP intervention for FSW necessitates multiple perspectives (e.g. FSW, service providers). Resumen La profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) es un componente vital de la prevención integral del VIH para las trabajadoras sexuales (TSF). En los Estados Unidos, hay pocas intervenciones de PrEP dirigidas a las TSF, quienes experiencian un riesgo elevado de contraer el VIH. Se realizó una investigación formativa para informar a PEARL (Promoción del empoderamiento y la reducción de riesgos), una intervención de PrEP para TSF en Baltimore, MD-la cual incluyó un foro comunitario, entrevistas con proveedores de servicios a las TSF y discusiones entre grupos focales de TSF. TSF y proveedores de servicio reconocieron los retos de mantener buenas relaciones y establecer continuidad en los servicios de salud. TSF exhibieron conocimiento limitado sobre la PrEP, pero expresaron gran interés en la PrEP después de estar informadas. TSF y los proveedores de servicios hablaron de barreras aceptando a la PrEP, incluyendo problemas financieros percibidos, falta de conocimiento sobre la PrEP y desconfianza en la industria farmacéutica. Se expresaron preocupaciones sobre el uso de sustancias y la adherencia diaria a la PrEP. El desarrollo de una intervención de PrEP personalizada para TSF requiere varias perspectivas (por ejemplo, TSF, proveedores de servicios).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Belinda Jivapong
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rienna Russo
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Pelaez
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Piser
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Katherine Footer
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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24
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Skeen SJ, Jones SS, Cruse CM, Horvath KJ. Integrating Natural Language Processing and Interpretive Thematic Analyses to Gain Human-Centered Design Insights on HIV Mobile Health: Proof-of-Concept Analysis. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e37350. [PMID: 35862171 PMCID: PMC9353680 DOI: 10.2196/37350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV mobile health (mHealth) interventions often incorporate interactive peer-to-peer features. The user-generated content (UGC) created by these features can offer valuable design insights by revealing what topics and life events are most salient for participants, which can serve as targets for subsequent interventions. However, unstructured, textual UGC can be difficult to analyze. Interpretive thematic analyses can preserve rich narratives and latent themes but are labor-intensive and therefore scale poorly. Natural language processing (NLP) methods scale more readily but often produce only coarse descriptive results. Recent calls to advance the field have emphasized the untapped potential of combined NLP and qualitative analyses toward advancing user attunement in next-generation mHealth. OBJECTIVE In this proof-of-concept analysis, we gain human-centered design insights by applying hybrid consecutive NLP-qualitative methods to UGC from an HIV mHealth forum. METHODS UGC was extracted from Thrive With Me, a web app intervention for men living with HIV that includes an unstructured peer-to-peer support forum. In Python, topics were modeled by latent Dirichlet allocation. Rule-based sentiment analysis scored interactions by emotional valence. Using a novel ranking standard, the experientially richest and most emotionally polarized segments of UGC were condensed and then analyzed thematically in Dedoose. Design insights were then distilled from these themes. RESULTS The refined topic model detected K=3 topics: A: disease coping; B: social adversities; C: salutations and check-ins. Strong intratopic themes included HIV medication adherence, survivorship, and relationship challenges. Negative UGC often involved strong negative reactions to external media events. Positive UGC often focused on gratitude for survival, well-being, and fellow users' support. CONCLUSIONS With routinization, hybrid NLP-qualitative methods may be viable to rapidly characterize UGC in mHealth environments. Design principles point toward opportunities to align mHealth intervention features with the organically occurring uses captured in these analyses, for example, by foregrounding inspiring personal narratives and expressions of gratitude, or de-emphasizing anger-inducing media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Scott Jones
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carolyn Marie Cruse
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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25
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Mbotwa C, Kazaura M, Moen K, Leshabari M, Metta E, Leyna G, Mmbaga EJ. Predictors of mHealth use in promoting adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers: an evaluation of the Jichunge intervention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:859. [PMID: 35787285 PMCID: PMC9254514 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission, and PrEP is recommended by the World Health organization (WHO) for use by individuals at high risk of HIV infection. However, low adherence has been reported to hamper its effectiveness. Some evidence indicates that mHealth interventions may be a promising way of promoting PrEP adherence. Nevertheless, evaluations of mHealth interventions in Africa, the region most affected by HIV, are scarce. This study aimed at identifying the extent of and predictors for use of a smartphone based mHealth application among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods As part of a quasi-experimental study in Tanzania, 470 female sex workers who were eligible for PrEP and who owned a smartphone were recruited using respondent driven sampling. All participants were provided with an mHealth application called Jichunge, a smartphone-based app designed to promote adherence to PrEP by offering users information, advise and support during start-up and use of PrEP. We collected data through structured interviews at baseline and extracted user data from the app for a period of 30 days. Modified Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was used to identify predictors for the optimal use of the Jichunge app. Results Overall, the optimal use of the Jichunge app was 46.4%. Optimal use was significantly higher among women who were older (aPR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.10-1.65, p = 0.004 for age 25-34 years, and aPR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.19-2.07, p = 0.001 for age at least 35 years), who had secondary education or higher (aPR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.94, p = 0.023), who had suboptimal social support (aPR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48, p = 0.030), who had high awareness of PrEP (aPR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.08-1.55, p = 0.005), and who had experience using common mainstream social media applications (aPR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.08-1.71, p = 0.009). Conclusion Optimal use of the Jichunge app was substantially higher among women with higher age, higher education, higher PrEP awareness, less social support, and experience using common social media applications. Individual and interpersonal factors should be considered in planning mHealth interventions. Further studies to determine predictors of longer-term mHealth engagement are needed. Trial registration International Clinical Trials Registry Platform PACTR202003823226570; 04.03.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mbotwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Method Kazaura
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Melkizedeck Leshabari
- Department of Behavioural sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioural sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Germana Leyna
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Elia J Mmbaga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Patel P, Kerzner M, Reed JB, Sullivan P, El-Sadr WM. Public health implications of adapting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programs for virtual service delivery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e37479. [PMID: 35486813 PMCID: PMC9177169 DOI: 10.2196/37479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 threatens to disrupt global progress toward HIV epidemic control. Opportunities exist to leverage ongoing public health responses to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on HIV services, and novel approaches to care provision might help address both epidemics. Objective As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, novel approaches to maintain comprehensive HIV prevention service delivery are needed. The aim of this study was to summarize the related literature to highlight adaptations that could address potential COVID-19–related service interruptions. Methods We performed a systematic review and searched six databases, OVID/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase, for studies published between January 1, 2010, and October 26, 2021, related to recent technology-based interventions for virtual service delivery. Search terms included “telemedicine,” “telehealth,” “mobile health,” “eHealth,” “mHealth,” “telecommunication,” “social media,” “mobile device,” and “internet,” among others. Of the 6685 abstracts identified, 1259 focused on HIV virtual service delivery, 120 of which were relevant for HIV prevention efforts; 48 pertained to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 19 of these focused on evaluations of interventions for the virtual service delivery of PrEP. Of the 16 systematic reviews identified, three were specific to PrEP. All 35 papers were reviewed for outcomes of efficacy, feasibility, and/or acceptability. Limitations included heterogeneity of the studies’ methodological approaches and outcomes; thus, a meta-analysis was not performed. We considered the evidence-based interventions found in our review and developed a virtual service delivery model for HIV prevention interventions. We also considered how this platform could be leveraged for COVID-19 prevention and care. Results We summarize 19 studies of virtual service delivery of PrEP and 16 relevant reviews. Examples of technology-based interventions that were effective, feasible, and/or acceptable for PrEP service delivery include: use of SMS, internet, and smartphone apps such as iText (50% [95% CI 16%-71%] reduction in discontinuation of PrEP) and PrEPmate (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.24-5.5.4); telehealth and eHealth platforms for virtual visits such as PrEPTECH and IowaTelePrEP; and platforms for training of health care workers such as Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO). We suggest a virtual service delivery model for PrEP that can be leveraged for COVID-19 using the internet and social media for demand creation, community-based self-testing, telehealth platforms for risk assessment and follow-up, applications for support groups and adherence/appointment reminders, and applications for monitoring. Conclusions Innovations in the virtual service provision of PrEP occurred before COVID-19 but have new relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The innovations we describe might strengthen HIV prevention service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the long run by engaging traditionally hard-to-reach populations, reducing stigma, and creating a more accessible health care platform. These virtual service delivery platforms can mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV services, which can be leveraged to facilitate COVID-19 pandemic control now and for future responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragna Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC COVID-19 Response, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, US
| | - Michael Kerzner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC COVID-19 Response, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, US
| | | | | | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, US
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Adamson T, Hanley M, Baral S, Beyrer C, Wallach S, Howell S. Rapid, application-based survey to characterise the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ communities around the world: an observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e041896. [PMID: 35414537 PMCID: PMC9006192 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic, and the responses it has generated, have had disproportionate impacts on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. This study seeks to build on existing information and provide regional insight. METHODS In response, a cross-sectional survey was administered to a global sample of LGBTQ+ individuals (n=13 358) between 16 April and 20 May 2020 via the social networking application Hornet. The survey contained questions that characterise the impact of COVID-19 and associated mitigation strategies on economics, employment, mental health and access to healthcare. RESULTS 5191 (43.9%) individuals indicated they were somewhat, slightly or unable to meet basic needs with their current income, while 2827 (24.1%) and 4710 (40.1%) felt physically or emotionally unsafe in their living environment, respectively. 2202 individuals (24.7%) stated they are at risk for losing health insurance coverage. 2685 (22.7%) persons reported having skipped or cut meals as there was not enough money. CONCLUSION Many LGBTQ+persons who responded reported adverse consequences to mental health, economics, interruptions to care and lack of support from their government. This data is part of ongoing analyses but accentuates the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities that will require targeted, ameliorative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Adamson
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Wallach
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean Howell
- LGBT Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA
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WIDJAJA G, SIJABAT HH. Study of e-Health nutritional interventions on disease patients based on meta-analysis. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.68921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Beck EJ, Mandalia S, Yfantopoulos P, Jones CI, Bremner S, Whetham J, Wittevrongel M, Apers L. The efficiency of the EmERGE pathway to provide continuity of care for medically stable people living with HIV in Belgium. Acta Clin Belg 2021; 77:915-924. [PMID: 34802399 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.2004697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Shato T, Uzoaru F, Mason S, Carter V, Manu S, Modi K, Parker J, Ezechi O, Iwelunmor J. Mobile health interventions for HIV/STI prevention among youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review of studies reporting implementation outcomes. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:126. [PMID: 34742357 PMCID: PMC8572487 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00230-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances and proliferation of technologies such as mobile phones may provide opportunities to improve access to HIV/STI services and reach young people with high risk for HIV and STI. However, the reach, uptake, and sustainability of mobile health (mHealth) HIV/STI interventions targeting young people aged 10-24 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are largely unknown. To address this gap and to inform implementation science research, a review was conducted to summarize what is known, and what we need to know about implementing mhealth interventions for HIV/STI prevention targeting young people in LMICs. METHODS We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this review. Drawing upon Proctor's eight implementation outcome measures, we evaluated the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability of m-health HIV/STI interventions targeting young people in LMICs. The search was performed from September 2020-January 2021 and updated on March 1, 2021, in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, SCOPUS, Global Health, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were required to include an HIV/STI prevention outcome, target young people aged 10-24 years, include a comparison/control group, and reporting of atleast one implementation outcome as outlined by Proctor. RESULTS A total of 1386 articles were located, and their titles and abstracts were screened. Of these, 57 full-text articles were reviewed and subsequently, and 11 articles representing 6 unique interventions were included in the systematic review. Acceptability 6 (100%), appropriateness 6 (100%), and feasibility 5(83%) were the most frequently evaluated implementation outcomes. Adoption 2 (33%), fidelity 1 (17%), and cost 1 (17%) were rarely reported; penetration and sustainability were not reported. CONCLUSIONS This review contributes to implementation science literature by synthesizing key implementation outcomes of mHealth HIV/STI interventions targeting young people in LMICs. Future research is needed on m-health HIV/STI implementation outcomes, particularly the penetration, cost, and long-term sustainability of these interventions. Doing so will enhance the field's understanding of the mechanisms by which these interventions lead or do not lead to changes in high HIV/STI risk and vulnerability among young people in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA.
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Thembekile Shato
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63130, USA
| | - Florida Uzoaru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Stacey Mason
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Victoria Carter
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Sunita Manu
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Karan Modi
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Jessica Parker
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63104, USA
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Wood OR, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Scherr TF, Zetina APM, Rodriguez RG, Nash N, Cervantes M, Schnall R. A randomized controlled trial of an mHealth intervention for increasing access to HIV testing and care among young cisgender men and transgender women: the mLab App study protocol. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1959. [PMID: 34715833 PMCID: PMC8554516 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of youth living with HIV in the United States (US) continues to rise, and racial, ethnic, and sexual minority youth including young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic. Due to social and healthcare system factors, many YMSM and YTGW do not seek HIV testing services and are therefore less likely to be aware that they are infected. Mobile health technology (mHealth) has the ability to increase uptake of HIV testing among these populations. Thus, the mLab App-which combines HIV prevention information with a mobile phone imaging feature for interpreting at-home HIV test results-was developed to improve testing rates and linkage to care among Black, Latino, and other YMSM and YTGW living in New York City and Chicago and their surrounding areas. METHODS This study is a three-arm randomized controlled trial among YMSM and YTGW aged 18-29 years. Participants are randomized to either the mLab App intervention including HIV home test kits and standard of preventive care, standard of preventive care only, or HIV home test kits and standard of preventive care only. DISCUSSION mHealth technology used for HIV prevention is capable of delivering interventions in real-time, which creates an opportunity to remotely reach users across the country to strengthen their HIV care continuum engagement and treatment outcomes. Specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, mHealth technology combined with at-home testing may prove to be essential in increasing HIV testing rates, especially among populations at high-risk or without regular access to HIV testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03803683 ) on January 14, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Wood
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Thomas F Scherr
- Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Ana Paola Mata Zetina
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rafael Garibay Rodriguez
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nathanael Nash
- Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marbella Cervantes
- Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Kuhns LM, Johnson AK, Adetunji A, Kuti KM, Garofalo R, Omigbodun O, Awolude OA, Oladeji BD, Berzins B, Okonkwor O, Amoo OP, Olomola O, Taiwo B. Adaptation of evidence-based approaches to promote HIV testing and treatment engagement among high-risk Nigerian youth. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258190. [PMID: 34614028 PMCID: PMC8494297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nigeria has the second highest number of people living with HIV (PLWH) globally, and evidence-based approaches are needed to achieve national goals to identify, treat, and reduce new infections. Youth between the ages of 15–24, including young men who have sex with men (YMSM), are disproportionately impacted by the Nigerian HIV epidemic. The purpose of this study was to inform adaptation of evidence-based peer navigation and mHealth approaches (social media outreach to promote HIV testing; short messaging service text message reminders to promote HIV treatment engagement) to the local context within iCARE Nigeria, a multi-phase study designed to investigate combination interventions to promote HIV testing and care engagement among youth in Nigeria. Methods To elicit expert and community perspectives, a local group of advisors from academia, community, and governmental sectors provided feedback on intervention adaptation, which then informed a series of focus groups with stakeholders in Ibadan, Nigeria. Focus group data were collected over a period of three days in December of 2018. Participants in focus groups included YMSM and HIV-positive youth in care ages 16–24, and HIV service providers from local AIDS service organizations (ASO). Groups were stratified by HIV serostatus, gender, and stakeholder type. Focus group sessions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results Local experts recommended intervention adaptations specific to the status of peer navigators as volunteers, peer characteristics (slightly older age, high maturity level, HIV/YMSM status), and intervention characteristics and resources (low navigator to peer ratio; flexible matching by demographic and social characteristics; social media platforms and content). Five focus group discussions with stakeholders, including 27 participants were conducted to elicit feedback on these and other potential adaptations. Youth participants (n = 21) were mean age 20 years (range = 16–24); 76% HIV-positive, 76% men and 48% MSM. Service providers (n = 6) represented both HIV prevention and care services. Participants across stratified subgroups reported largely positive perceptions and high perceived acceptability of both mHealth and peer navigation strategies, and echoed the recommendations of the advisory group for volunteer-based navigators to promote altruism, with a low navigator-peer ratio (1:5). Participants emphasized the need to incorporate minimal mobile data use strategies and popular social media platforms among YMSM (e.g., Facebook, Grindr) for widespread access and reach of the interventions. Conclusions In Ibadan, Nigeria, stakeholders support the adaptation of combined mHealth and peer navigation strategies to promote HIV testing and care engagement among high-risk youth. Recommended adaptations for the local context reflect concerns about the feasibility and sustainability of the intervention and are expected to improve accessibility and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Kuhns
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde M. Kuti
- HIV Program, Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olutosin A. Awolude
- HIV Program, Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bibilola D. Oladeji
- HIV Program, Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Baiba Berzins
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ogochukwu Okonkwor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseun P. Amoo
- HIV Program, Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Omolade Olomola
- Department of Private and Property Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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“Through their eyes, I can work” – rural physicians' perceptions about mobile phone use among community health workers – a qualitative analysis. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-12-2020-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Physicians who are primary care providers in rural communities form an essential stakeholder group in rural mobile health (mHealth) delivery. This study was exploratory in nature and was conducted in Udupi district of Karnataka, India. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of rural medical officers (MOs) (rural physicians) regarding the benefits and challenges of mobile phone use by community health workers (CHWs).
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews were conducted among 15 MOs belonging to different primary health centers of the district. Only MOs with a minimum five years of experience were recruited in the study using purposive and snowball sampling. This was followed by thematic analysis of the data collected.
Findings
The perceptions of MOs regarding the CHWs' use of mobile phones were largely positive. However, they reported the existence of some challenges that limits the potential of its full use. The findings were categorized under four themes namely, benefits of mobile phone use to CHWs, benefits of mobile phone-equipped CHWs, current mobile phone use by CHWs and barriers to CHWs' mobile phone use. The significant barriers reported in the CHWs' mobile phone use were poor mobile network coverage, technical illiteracy, lack of consistent technical training and call and data expense of the CHWs. The participants recommend an increased number of mobile towers, frequent training in mobile phone use and basic English language for the CHWs as possible solutions to the barriers.
Originality/value
Studies examining the perceptions of doctors who are a primary stakeholder group in mHealth as well as in the public health system scenario are limited. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine the perception of rural doctors regarding CHWs' mobile phone use for work in India.
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Chenneville T, Drake H, Gabbidon K, Rodriguez C, Hightow-Weidman L. Bijou: Engaging Young MSM in HIV Care Using a Mobile Health Strategy. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211030805. [PMID: 34242100 PMCID: PMC8274121 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV experience challenges with retention in care, which negatively affects viral suppression. To address this, researchers piloted Bijou, a program designed to provide health education through electronically delivered behavior and risk reduction modules. Participants were 29 YMSM aged 19-24 living with HIV from the southeastern US. Participants completed pre, post, and 3-month follow-up (3MFU) surveys assessing knowledge, intervention acceptability, satisfaction, self-efficacy, ehealth literacy, and usability. Findings revealed significant improvement in knowledge and e-health literacy from pre-test to post-test but lost significance at 3MFU. Self-efficacy scores did not show significant differences from pre-test to post-test or 3MFU. Participants who completed all modules considered Bijou usable and acceptable; however, many did not complete the program. Findings suggest a need for adaptations to promote knowledge retention, e-health literacy, engagement over time, and research with a larger, more representative sample.
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Ryan P, Valencia J, Cuevas G, Troya J, Torres-Macho J, Muñoz-Gómez MJ, Muñoz-Rivas N, Canorea I, Vázquez-Morón S, Resino S. HIV screening and retention in care in people who use drugs in Madrid, Spain: a prospective study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:111. [PMID: 34412695 PMCID: PMC8375145 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in people who use drugs (PWUD) is significant. We aimed to screen HIV infection among PWUD and describe their retention in HIV care. Besides, we also screen for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-seropositive PWUD and describe their linkage to care. Methods We conducted a prospective study in 529 PWUD who visited the “Cañada Real Galiana” (Madrid, Spain). The study period was from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. HIV diagnosis was performed with a rapid antibody screening test at the point-of-care (POC) and HCV diagnosis with immunoassay and PCR tests on dried blood spot (DBS) in a central laboratory. Positive PWUD were referred to the hospital. We used the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate, to compare rates between groups. Results Thirty-five (6.6%) participants were positive HIV antibodies, but 34 reported previous HIV diagnoses, and 27 (76%) had prior antiretroviral therapy. Among patients with a positive HIV antibody test, we also found a higher prevalence of homeless (P < 0.001) and injection drug use (PWID) (P < 0.001), and more decades of drug use (P = 0.002). All participants received HIV test results at the POC. Of the 35 HIV positives, 28 (80%) were retained in HIV medical care at the end of the HIV screening study (2018), and only 22 (62.9%) at the end of 2020. Moreover, 12/35 (34.3%) were positive for the HCV RNA test. Of the latter, 10/12 (83.3%) were contacted to deliver the HCV results test (delivery time of 19 days), 5/12 (41.7%) had an appointment and were attended at the hospital and started HCV therapy, and only 4/12 (33.3%) cleared HCV. Conclusions We found almost no new HIV-infected PWUD, but their cascade of HIV care was low and remains a challenge in this population at risk. The high frequency of active hepatitis C in HIV-infected PWUD reflects the need for HCV screening and reinforcing the link to care. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ryan
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Valencia
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Reducción de Daños "SMASD", Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Troya
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María José Muñoz-Gómez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Canorea
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Vázquez-Morón
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Canan CE, Flickinger TE, Waselewski M, Tabackman A, Baker L, Eger S, Waldman ALD, Ingersoll K, Dillingham R. Toward understanding the impact of mHealth features for people with HIV: a latent class analysis of PositiveLinks usage. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:172-181. [PMID: 31816017 PMCID: PMC7877298 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PositiveLinks (PL) is a multi-feature smartphone-based platform to improve engagement-in-care and viral suppression (VS) among clinic patients living with HIV. Features include medication reminders, mood/stress check-ins, a community board, and secure provider messaging. Our goal was to examine how PL users interact with the app and determine whether usage patterns correlate with clinical outcomes. Patients (N = 83) at a university-based Ryan White clinic enrolled in PL from June 2016 to March 2017 and were followed for up to 12 months. A subset (N = 49) completed interviews after 3 weeks of enrollment to explore their experiences with and opinions of PL. We differentiated PL members based on 6-month usage of app features using latent class analysis. We explored characteristics associated with class membership, compared reported needs and preferences by class, and examined association between class and VS. The sample of 83 PL members fell into four classes. "Maximizers" used all app features frequently (27%); "Check-in Users" tended to interact only with daily queries (22%); "Moderate All-Feature Users" used all features occasionally (33%); and "As-Needed Communicators" interacted with the app minimally (19%). VS improved or remained high among all classes after 6 months. VS remained high at 12 months among Maximizers (baseline and 12-month VS: 100%, 94%), Check-in Users (82%, 100%), and Moderate All-Feature Users (73%, 94%) but not among As-Needed Communicators (69%, 60%). This mixed-methods study identified four classes based on PL usage patterns that were distinct in characteristics and clinical outcomes. Identifying and characterizing mHealth user classes offers opportunities to tailor interventions appropriately based on patient needs and preferences as well as to provide targeted alternative support to achieve clinical goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Canan
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tabor E Flickinger
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marika Waselewski
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alexa Tabackman
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Logan Baker
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, Wise, VA, USA
| | - Samuel Eger
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, Wise, VA, USA
| | - Ava Lena D Waldman
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Karen Ingersoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Flynn G, Scherr T, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Bushover B, Nash N, Davis R, Schnall R. Usability Evaluation of the mLab App for Improving Home HIV Testing Behaviors in Youth at Risk of HIV Infection. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:312-324. [PMID: 34370566 PMCID: PMC8487399 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.4.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improving access to HIV testing among youth at high risk is essential for reaching those who are most at risk for HIV and least likely to access health care services. This study evaluates the usability of mLab, an app with image-processing feature that analyzes photos of OraQuick HIV self-tests and provides real-time, personalized feedback. mLab includes HIV prevention information, testing reminders, and instructions. It was developed through iterative feedback with a youth advisory board (N = 8). The final design underwent heuristic (N = 5) and end-user testing (N = 20). Experts rated mLab following Nielsen's heuristic checklist. End-users used the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale. While there were some usability problems, overall study participants found mLab useful and user-friendly. This study provides important insights into using a mobile app with imaging for interpreting HIV test results with the goal of improving HIV testing and prevention in populations at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Flynn
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas Scherr
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Brady Bushover
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Nathanael Nash
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Rindcy Davis
- H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168 Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
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Cordoba E, Idnay B, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, Batey DS, Radix A, Belkind U, Hidalgo MA, Hirshfield S, Rodriguez RG, Schnall R. Examining the Information Systems Success (ISS) of a mobile sexual health app (MyPEEPS Mobile) from the perspective of very young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Int J Med Inform 2021; 153:104529. [PMID: 34385097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The widespread and frequent use of mobile technology among adolescents, including sexual minority adolescents, presents an opportunity for the development of mobile health (mHealth) technology to combat the continuing HIV epidemic among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We analyzed perceptions of the quality and impact of an HIV prevention mobile app on sexual risk reduction among YMSM. METHODS Participants were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial of the MyPEEPS Mobile app among YMSM aged 13-18 years. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to assess quality and user satisfaction with MyPEEPS Mobile app using analysis informed by the Information Systems Success framework. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using six themes: information quality, net benefit, user satisfaction, product quality, service quality, and health care barriers. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 40 YMSM (45% Hispanic; 80% non-White; 88% non-rural resident; 28% aged 17 years). Participants' responses indicated that information quality was high, reporting that the app information was concise, easy to understand, useful, and relevant to their life. The net benefits were stated as improvements in their decision-making skills, health behaviors, communication skills with partner(s), and increased knowledge of HIV risk. There was general user satisfaction and enjoyment when using the app, although most of the participants did not intend to reuse the app unless new activities were added. Participants expressed that the product quality of the app was good due to its personalization, representation of the LGBTQIA + community, and user-friendly interface. Although no major technical issues were reported, participants suggested that adaption to a native app, rather than a web app, would improve service quality through faster loading speed. Participants also identified some health care barriers that were minimized by app use. CONCLUSIONS The MyPEEPS Mobile app is a well received, functional, and entertaining mHealth HIV prevention tool that may improve HIV prevention skills and reduce HIV risk among YMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evette Cordoba
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Betina Idnay
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cynthia Pearson
- Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, School of Social Work, University of Washington, 4101 15th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Josh Bruce
- Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205 32nd Street, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - D Scott Batey
- Department of Social Work, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue, South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, 356 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, USA
| | - Uri Belkind
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, 356 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, USA
| | - Marco A Hidalgo
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, The Saban Research Institute, 4661 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Nelson KM, Perry NS, Horvath KJ, Smith LR. A systematic review of mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:1211-1220. [PMID: 33044531 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies addressing HIV disparities among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has increased. A systematic review of mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment among GBMSM was conducted to summarize the current evidence and provide recommendations for future research. PRISMA guidelines were followed (PROSPERO ID: 148452). Studies identified via PubMed, PsychInfo, or Embase were included that (i) were in English, (ii) were published in a peer-reviewed journal prior to July 1, 2019, (iii) presented primary results, (iv) included only GBMSM, and (v) reported the results of an mHealth intervention (e.g., text message, phone/mobile application [app]) to improve HIV prevention or treatment outcomes. Of 1,636 identified abstracts, 16 published studies met inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were conducted in the United States. One study was a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT), seven were single-arm pilots with pre-post assessments, four were pilot RCTs, and four tested public health campaigns with post-assessments. Seven developed study-specific apps, five used text messaging, and four used existing social networking apps. Most (81%) targeted prevention outcomes. Nine cited a specific behavioral theory. All studies found that a mHealth approach was feasible and acceptable. All interventions provided evidence of preliminary efficacy or promising trends on primary outcomes. Although mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment appear feasible and acceptable, most published studies are small pilot trials. Additional research assessing the efficacy and mechanisms of mHealth interventions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas S Perry
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Odukoya OO, Ohazurike C, Akanbi M, O'Dwyer LC, Isikekpei B, Kuteyi E, Ameh IO, Osadiaye O, Adebayo K, Usinoma A, Adewole A, Odunukwe N, Okuyemi K, Kengne AP. mHealth Interventions for Treatment Adherence and Outcomes of Care for Cardiometabolic Disease Among Adults Living With HIV: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e20330. [PMID: 34106075 PMCID: PMC8409010 DOI: 10.2196/20330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of antiretroviral therapy has led to an increase in life expectancy and an associated rise in the risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) among people living with HIV. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to conduct a systematic review to synthesize the existing literature on the patterns of use and effects of mobile health (mHealth) interventions for improving treatment adherence and outcomes of care for CMD among people living with HIV. METHODS A systematic search of multiple databases, including PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals online, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization Global Index Medicus of peer-reviewed articles, was conducted with no date or language restrictions. Unpublished reports on mHealth interventions for treatment adherence and outcomes of care for CMD among adults living with HIV were also included in this review. Studies were included if they had at least 1 component that used an mHealth intervention to address treatment adherence or 1 or more of the stated outcomes of care for CMD among people living with HIV. RESULTS Our search strategy yielded 1148 unique records. In total, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Of the 10 studies, only 4 had published results. The categories of mHealth interventions ranged from short messaging, telephone calls, and wearable devices to smartphone and desktop web-based mobile apps. Across the different categories of interventions, there were no clear patterns in terms of consistency in the use of a particular intervention, as most studies (9/10, 90%) assessed a combination of mHealth interventions. Short messaging and telephone calls were however the most common interventions. Half of the studies (5/10, 50%) reported on outcomes that were indirectly linked to CMD, and none of them provided reliable evidence for evaluating the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for treatment adherence and outcomes of care for CMD among people living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS Due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures in the studies, no definitive conclusions could be drawn on the patterns of use and effects of mHealth interventions for treatment adherence and outcomes of care for CMD among people living with HIV. We therefore recommend that future trials should focus on standardized outcomes for CMD. We also suggest that future studies should consider having a longer follow-up period in order to determine the long-term effects of mHealth interventions on CMD outcomes for people living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018086940; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018086940.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwakemi Ololade Odukoya
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chidumga Ohazurike
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Maxwell Akanbi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Linda C O'Dwyer
- Galter Health Sciences Library and Learning Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brenda Isikekpei
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ewemade Kuteyi
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Idaomeh O Ameh
- Division of Nephrology, Zenith Medical and Kidney Center, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Olanlesi Osadiaye
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Khadijat Adebayo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, All Saints University School of Medicine, Roseau, Dominica
| | - Adewunmi Usinoma
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ajoke Adewole
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Nkiruka Odunukwe
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Group, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kola Okuyemi
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School Of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Wirtz AL, Cooney EE, Stevenson M, Radix A, Poteat T, Wawrzyniak AJ, Cannon CM, Schneider JS, Haw JS, Case J, Althoff KN, Humes E, Mayer KH, Beyrer C, Rodriguez AE, Reisner SL. Digital Epidemiologic Research on Multilevel Risks for HIV Acquisition and Other Health Outcomes Among Transgender Women in Eastern and Southern United States: Protocol for an Online Cohort. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e29152. [PMID: 33900202 PMCID: PMC8111508 DOI: 10.2196/29152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic disproportionately impacts transgender women in the United States. Cohort studies identify unique risks for affected populations, but use of facility-based methods may bias findings towards individuals living in research catchment areas, more engaged in health services, or, in the case of transgender populations, those who are open about their transgender identity. Digital clinical trials and other online research methods are increasingly common, providing opportunity to reach those not commonly engaged in research. Simultaneously, there is a need to understand potential biases associated with digital research, how these methods perform, and whether they are accepted across populations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the feasibility of developing and implementing an online cohort of transgender women to assess risks for HIV acquisition and other health experiences. Further, this study aims to evaluate how an online cohort compares to a site-based, technology-enhanced cohort for epidemiologic research. The overarching goal is to estimate incidence of HIV and other health outcomes among transgender women in eastern and southern United States. METHODS This substudy is part of a larger multisite prospective cohort (LITE) conducted among transgender women, which also includes a site-based, technology-enhanced cohort in 6 eastern and southern US cities. The online cohort was launched to enroll and follow participants across 72 cities in the same region and with similar demographic characteristics as the site-based cohort. Participants are followed for 24 months. Adult transgender women are recruited via convenience sampling (eg, peer referrals, social media, and dating apps). Participants reporting negative or unknown HIV status are enrolled in a baseline study visit, complete a sociobehavioral survey, and provide oral fluid specimens to test for HIV. Participants not living with HIV (lab-confirmed) at baseline are offered enrollment into the cohort; follow-up assessments occur every 6 months. RESULTS Enrollment into the online cohort launched in January 2019. Active recruitment stopped in May 2019, and enrollment officially closed in August 2020. A total of 580 participants enrolled into and are followed in the cohort. A recruitment-enrollment cascade was observed across screening, consent, and completion of study activities. Implementation experiences with HIV test kits highlight the need for heavy staff engagement to support participant engagement, visit completion, and retention, even with automated digital procedures. CONCLUSIONS This study is responsive to increasing research interest in digital observational and intervention research, particularly for populations who are most affected by the HIV epidemic and for those who may otherwise not participate in person. The progression across stages of the recruitment-enrollment cascade provides useful insight for implementation of cohort studies in the online environment. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/29152.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Erin E Cooney
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Megan Stevenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Center for Health Equity Research, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Andrew J Wawrzyniak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Christopher M Cannon
- Research and Evaluation, Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington DC, DC, United States
| | | | - J Sonya Haw
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - James Case
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Keri N Althoff
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elizabeth Humes
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Allan E Rodriguez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sari L Reisner
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Raeesi A, Khajouei R, Ahmadian L. Evaluation of HIV/AIDS-related mobile health applications content using an evidence-based content rating tool. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2021; 21:135. [PMID: 33892691 PMCID: PMC8067376 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the increasing number of mobile health applications, the validity of their content is understudied. The objective of this study was to rate the content of HIV/AIDS-related mobile applications and to determine the extent to which evidence-based medicine is being incorporated into their content using a new tool called the Evidence-based content rating tool of mobile health applications (EBCRT-mHealth). Methods All available HIV/AIDS-related applications in Iran from Cafe Bazaar and Google Play Store were evaluated. This study was first conducted in 2018, then after almost two years in 2021 was done again. In this study, researchers developed the EBCRT-mHealth tool to rate the content of applications based on the evidence-based medicine pyramid. Its reliability was calculated (α = 0.78), and five specialists confirmed its validity. Two reviewers independently reviewed all HIV/AIDS applications directly downloaded and installed from the Google Play Store and Cafe Bazaar. Results Out of 980 retrieved applications, in 2018, 85, and in 2021, 78 applications were included in the study. Only in 17 (28%) out of the 60 in 2018, and 25 (51%) in 2021 Google Play store applications the source of content information was mentioned. All Cafe Bazaar mobile applications mentioned the source of information. The mean rating of all application content in 2018 was 2.38 (SD = 0.74), and in 2021 was 2.90 (SD = 1.35) out of 5. The mean rating of the content of Cafe Bazaar applications in 2018 was 2.10 (SD = 0.49), and in 2021 was 1.94 (SD = 0.29). The mean content rating of Google Play store applications in 2018 was 2.50 (SD = 0.80) and in 2021 was 3.86 (SD = 1.18). Conclusion After two years, the rating of the content of HIV/AIDS-related applications available in Iran that existed in Cafe Bazaar decreased from "poor" to "inappropriate". Also, the content score of the Google Play Store applications increased from "poor" to "good". It is critical to ensure the credibility of the sources used in developing their content and removing applications with inappropriate and unreliable content from the App Stores. Also, mobile health application developers should use the highest quality information in their applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-021-01498-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Raeesi
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Khajouei
- Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Leila Ahmadian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Haft-Bagh Highway, Kerman, Iran.
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Gamarel KE, Stephenson R, Hightow-Weidman L. Technology-driven methodologies to collect qualitative data among youth to inform HIV prevention and care interventions. Mhealth 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 33898603 PMCID: PMC8063018 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-2020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of technology as a platform for delivering HIV prevention interventions provides an efficient opportunity to reach those at risk for HIV with targeted and timely prevention and treatment messages. Technology-delivered HIV interventions are becoming increasingly popular and include interventions that use mobile text messaging and mobile phone apps or deliver prevention messages through telehealth platforms. Community-centered approaches of intervention development can help address the potential gap between science and practice by ensuring that interventions are appropriate and driven by community needs and desires. Common approaches to gaining community input rely on qualitative data gathered through in-person focus group discussions (FGD), in-depth interviews (IDI) and youth advisory boards (YABs). While these proven methodologies have strengths, youth engagement can be limited by structural barriers (e.g., lack of transportation, inconvenient timing) and reluctance to participate due to stigma or discomfort with group settings. This results in a number of biases that limit the quality of face-to-face qualitative data collection, i.e., social desirability bias or selection biases created by differential likelihood of recruitment and attendance. As an increasing number of HIV prevention and care interventions are successfully delivered online, innovative approaches to youth engagement in virtual spaces can also be applied across the intervention lifespan to increase the quality and validity of formative data. In this paper, we describe a range of qualitative data collection techniques that can be used via online platforms to collect qualitative data, and we outline their relative advantages over face-to-face FGD or IDI. We use four case studies to highlight the methodologies and findings and provide recommendations for researchers moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Kuhns LM, Hereth J, Garofalo R, Hidalgo M, Johnson AK, Schnall R, Reisner SL, Belzer M, Mimiaga MJ. A Uniquely Targeted, Mobile App-Based HIV Prevention Intervention for Young Transgender Women: Adaptation and Usability Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e21839. [PMID: 33787503 PMCID: PMC8047777 DOI: 10.2196/21839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Young transgender women (YTW) are a key population for HIV-related risk reduction, yet very few interventions have been developed to meet their needs. Mobile health interventions with the potential for both efficacy and wide reach are a promising strategy to reduce HIV risk among YTW. Objective This study aims to adapt an efficacious group-based intervention to a mobile app, Project LifeSkills, to reduce HIV risk among YTW, and to test its acceptability and usability. Methods The group-based intervention was adapted to a mobile app, LifeSkills Mobile, with input from an expert advisory group and feedback from YTW collected during user-centered design sessions. A beta version of the app was then tested in a usability evaluation using a think-aloud protocol with debriefing interviews, recordings of screen activity, and assessments of usability via the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) and the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES). Results YTW (n=8; age: mean 24 years, SD 3 years; racial or ethnic minority: 7/8, 88%) provided feedback on the app prototype in design sessions and then tested a beta version of the app in a usability trial (n=10; age: mean 24 years, SD 3 years; racial or ethnic minority: 8/10, 80%). Both usability ratings (Health-ITUES: mean 4.59, SD 0.86; scale range: 1-5) and ratings for satisfaction and accessibility (PSSUQ: mean 4.64, SD 0.90; scale range 1-5) were in the good to excellent range. No functional bugs were identified, and all mobile activities were deployed as expected. Participant feedback from the usability interviews indicated very good salience of the intervention content among the focal population. Participants’ suggestions to further increase app engagement included adding animation, adding audio, and reducing the amount text. Conclusions We conclude that the LifeSkills Mobile app is a highly usable and engaging mobile app for HIV prevention among YTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Kuhns
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jane Hereth
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marco Hidalgo
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amy K Johnson
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marvin Belzer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Biello KB, Hill-Rorie J, Valente PK, Futterman D, Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Dormitzer J, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Open Pilot Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25107. [PMID: 33759792 PMCID: PMC8074990 DOI: 10.2196/25107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States. Uptake of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal in this population. Novel methods for reaching YMSM are required. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the development and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the MyChoices app, a mobile app designed to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM in the United States. METHODS Informed by the social cognitive theory, the MyChoices app was developed using an iterative process to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In 2017, beta theater testing was conducted in two US cities to garner feedback (n=4 groups; n=28 YMSM). These findings were used to refine MyChoices, which was then tested for initial acceptability and usability in a technical pilot (N=11 YMSM). Baseline and 2-month postbaseline assessments and exit interviews were completed. Transcripts were coded using a deductive approach, and thematic analysis was used to synthesize data; app acceptability and use data were also reported. RESULTS The MyChoices app includes personalized recommendations for HIV testing frequency and PrEP use; information on types of HIV tests and PrEP; ability to search for nearby HIV testing and PrEP care sites; and ability to order free home HIV and sexually transmitted infection test kits, condoms, and lube. In theater testing, YMSM described that MyChoices appears useful and that they would recommend it to peers. Participants liked the look and feel of the app and believed that the ability to search for and be pinged when near an HIV testing site would be beneficial. Some suggested that portions of the app felt repetitive and preferred using casual language rather than formal or medicalized terms. Following theater testing, the MyChoices app was refined, and participants in the technical pilot used the app, on average, 8 (SD 5.0; range 2-18) times over 2 months, with an average duration of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes per session. At the 2-month follow-up, the mean System Usability Scale (0-100) score was 71 (ie, above average; SD 11.8). Over 80% (9/11) of the participants reported that MyChoices was useful and 91% (10/11) said that they would recommend it to a friend. In exit interviews, there was a high level of acceptability for the content, interface, and features. CONCLUSIONS These data show the initial acceptability and user engagement of the MyChoices app. If future studies demonstrate efficacy in increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake, the app is scalable to reach YMSM across the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03179319; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03179319. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10694.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angelas, CA, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Krishnan A, Weikum D, Cravero C, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Assessing mobile technology use and mHealth acceptance among HIV-positive men who have sex with men and transgender women in Malaysia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248705. [PMID: 33755693 PMCID: PMC7987189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) can be beneficial in monitoring the complex healthcare regimen for people with HIV that includes adhering to medication and refraining from risky practices such as unsafe sex and injection drug use. Not only is mHealth often implemented without appropriate feasibility and acceptability research, but there is limited mHealth research among key HIV-positive populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Methods This study assessed access to and use of mobile technology and acceptability of mHealth among 150 HIV-positive MSM and TGW who were prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malaysia–an emerging economy with rapid telecommunications growth and societal stigma against these groups. Results Findings among the 114 MSM and 36 TGW reveal high levels of depression (42%), stigma (2.53/4.00) and risky sexual behavior (30%), and suboptimal ART adherence (22%). On the other hand, the sample had excellent access to smartphones (75.3%) and the internet (78%), and had high acceptance of mHealth especially for those with suboptimal ART adherence. Conclusion In settings like Malaysia where homosexuality and cross-dressing are socially and legally stigmatized, HIV prevention and treatment strategies delivered using an mHealth platform have the potential to overcome in-person barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Krishnan
- Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Damian Weikum
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Claire Cravero
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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47
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Reback CJ, Fletcher JB, Mata RP. A Theory-Based mHealth Intervention (Getting Off) for Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e22572. [PMID: 33616547 PMCID: PMC7939940 DOI: 10.2196/22572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methamphetamine (meth) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with increased HIV prevalence and transmission and substandard advancement along the HIV prevention and care continuum. Given the growth of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, it is no longer necessary to limit meth treatment options to physical, brick-and-mortar sites, and administration using generic, nontailored content. Objective In a 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT; N=300), we aim to evaluate the use of an mHealth intervention (Getting Off) to assess the impact and noninferiority of a cross-platform app (developed from a manualized meth treatment intervention) to help MSM reduce meth use and HIV sexual risk behaviors and improve their advancement along the HIV prevention and care continuum (HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and persistence, and antiretroviral therapy uptake and adherence). Methods Participants will be randomized into 2 arms: arm A, with immediate access to the app (immediate delivery: n=150), or arm B, with delayed access to the app after a 30-day period (delayed delivery: n=150). Participants in both arms will use the same Getting Off app and will have 30 days to complete the 24 sessions. Participants will be assessed at the 1-, 2- (delayed delivery arm only), 3-, 6-, and 9-month timepoints to determine observed treatment effects and will be compared with a historical matched sample of participants (n=~600) who received the brick-and-mortar group-based Getting Off intervention. Results Recruitment began in January 2019 for phase 1, the formative phase. In January and February 2019, 4 focus groups (N=36) were formed to provide input on the adaptation of the group-based manual intervention to a mobile app. Data collection for phase 2, the RCT, is expected to be completed in January 2023. The final results are anticipated in April 2023. Conclusions By creating a culturally responsive mobile app, Getting Off aims to reduce meth use and improve sexual health outcomes among meth-using MSM. The Getting Off app could have significant public health impact by greatly expanding access to effective, affordable, private, culturally competent, and highly scalable meth treatment for MSM. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03884946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03884946 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/22572
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Reback
- Friends Research Institution, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jesse B Fletcher
- Friends Research Institution, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Raymond P Mata
- Friends Research Institution, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Beck EJ, Mandalia S, Yfantopoulos P, Jones CI, Bremner S, Whetham J, Etcheverry F, Moreno L, Gonzalez E, Merino MJ, Leon A, Garcia F. Efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway to provide continuity of care for Spanish people living with medically stable HIV. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2021; 40:S0213-005X(20)30422-5. [PMID: 33549335 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Calculate the efficiency of the EmERGE Pathway of Care for medically stable people living with HIV at the Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS 546 study participants were followed between 1st July 2016 and 30th October 2019 across three HIV outpatient clinics, but the virtual clinic was closed during the second year. Unit costs were calculated, linked to mean use outpatient services per patient year, one-year before and after the implementation of EmERGE. Costs were combined with primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS Annual costs across HIV-outpatient services increased by 8%: €1073 (95%CI €999-€1157) to €1158 (95%CI €1084-€1238). Annual cost of ARVs was €7,557; total annual costs increased by 1% from €8430 (95%CI €8356-8514) to €8515 (95%CI €8441-8595). Annual cost for 433 participants managed in face-to-face (F2F) clinics decreased by 5% from €958 (95%CI 905-1018) to €904 (95%CI 863-945); participants transferred from virtual to F2F outpatient clinics (V2F) increased their annual cost by a factor of 2.2, from €115 (95%CI 94-139) to €251 (95%CI 219-290). No substantive changes were observed in primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION EmERGE Pathway is an efficient and acceptable intervention. Increases in costs were caused by internal structural changes. The cost reduction observed in F2F clinics were off-set by the transfer of participants from the virtual to the F2F clinics due to the closure of the virtual clinic during the second year of the Study. Greater efficiencies are likely to be achieved by extending the use of the Pathway to other PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Beck
- NPMS-HHC CIC, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | - C I Jones
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - S Bremner
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - J Whetham
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - F Etcheverry
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Moreno
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Gonzalez
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Merino
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Leon
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Garcia
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Economic, Mental Health, HIV Prevention and HIV Treatment Impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Response on a Global Sample of Cisgender Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:311-321. [PMID: 32654021 PMCID: PMC7352092 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02969-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to measure the impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of gay men and other MSM (n = 2732) from April 16, 2020 to May 4, 2020, through a social networking app. We characterized the economic, mental health, HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response, and examined whether sub-groups of our study population are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Many gay men and other MSM not only reported economic and mental health consequences, but also interruptions to HIV prevention and testing, and HIV care and treatment services. These consequences were significantly greater among people living with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, sex workers, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. These findings highlight the urgent need to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other MSM.
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Miyashita Ochoa A, Paneda CC, Wu ES, Maxwell KE, Garth G, Smith T, Holloway IW. A Community-Developed, Web-Based Mobile App Intervention Addressing Social Work and Legal Needs of Black Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV: Protocol for a Randomized Comparison Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e19770. [PMID: 33404514 PMCID: PMC7817362 DOI: 10.2196/19770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Black sexual minority men (BSMM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Los Angeles County (LAC) carries a substantial burden of the HIV epidemic in California. Negative effects of both psychosocial and structural barriers highlight the timely need to increase HIV treatment among BSMM. Successful HIV interventions based on social media and mobile phone technology have been demonstrated. This protocol describes LINX LA, a study that tests LINX, a web-based mobile app that provides tailored social services, legal resources, and peer support for BSMM living with HIV (BSMM+) in LAC using a randomized comparison trial. Objective During phase 1, the LINX LA study aims to engage in an iterative design process to develop the LINX App using qualitative data to inform and tailor the mobile app technology and its functionality. In phase 2 of LINX LA, we will test the efficacy of the LINX App compared with the LINX App Plus to improve HIV treatment outcomes (ie, antiretroviral therapy adherence, viral suppression) among BSMM+ in LAC by addressing social work and legal needs and developing a forum for peer support. Methods In this study funded by the California HIV/AIDS Research Program, we will recruit and enroll BSMM+ participants (aged ≥18 years) in LAC (N=400) to participate in a 12-month study that includes access to the LINX App, which provides a forum for peer support and tailored content aimed at improving the use of social and legal resources. All participants will also receive survey-based interviews at 3 time points (at baseline and 6- and 12-month intervals) and weekly text message surveys that assess medication and treatment adherence. Treatment adherence and viral suppression will be extracted from medical record data. Half of the participants will also be randomly assigned to receive 3 individualized coaching sessions (at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals) and the ability to directly message their coach via the LINX App. Over the course of the study, LINX App participants will receive a minimum of US $130 in cash and LINX App Plus participants will receive a minimum of US $190. We hypothesize that participants enrolled in LINX App Plus will demonstrate greater improvement in HIV outcomes compared with LINX App participants. Results The LINX study will test the efficacy of a web-based mobile app intervention for BSMM+ in LAC (N=400). The LINX App seeks to increase participants’ knowledge of HIV; to facilitate access to necessary social and legal services, including information and referrals; and to increase social support across participants by providing a mediated forum for engagement. Conclusions The implementation of LINX LA aims to develop and test a culturally tailored approach to improve the HIV treatment outcomes of BSMM+. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/19770
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Miyashita Ochoa
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christian Corpuz Paneda
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sc Wu
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Gerald Garth
- Arming Minorities Against Addiction and Disease (AMAAD) Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Ian Walter Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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